This toolkit will help you:
Screenings check for certain cancers before symptoms even show up — because by the time cancer starts waving red flags, it may already be harder to treat. Tests like the ones below are designed to find cancer early, when treatment is often easier and more effective.
Cancer screenings are covered by most insurance plans. If you are eligible for screening, private insurance plans and Medicare are required to cover screenings with no out-of-pocket costs (like copays or deductibles).
Skin cancer screening is recommended every year.
Cervical cancer screening is recommended every 3-5 years for people with a cervix starting at age 30. Talk to a doctor sooner if you are at high risk of cervical cancer.
Prostate cancer screening could be recommended every 1-4 years starting at age 40 if you are at high risk of prostate cancer (including Black men).
Skin cancer screening is recommended every year
Cervical cancer screening is recommended every 3-5 years for people with a cervix.
Breast cancer screening is recommended every 2 years starting at age 40. Talk to a doctor sooner if you are at high risk of breast cancer.
Colorectal cancer screening is recommended every 1-10 years starting at age 45. Talk to a doctor sooner if you are at high risk of colorectal cancer.
Prostate cancer screening could be recommended every 1-4 years starting at age 45. Talk to a doctor to see if screening is right for you.
Skin cancer screening is recommended every year.
Cervical cancer screening is recommended every 3-5 years for people with a cervix until age 65.
Breast cancer screening is recommended every 2 years until age 74.
Colorectal cancer screening is recommended every 1-10 years until age 75.
Prostate cancer screening could be recommended every 1-4 years until age 75. Talk to a doctor to see if screening is right for you.
Lung cancer screening is recommended every year for anyone 50-80 years old with a 20+ pack-year smoking history.
You should check your skin, breasts, and/or testicles once a month to monitor any changes. If something feels off, talk to a doctor.
Cancer screening isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your age, family history, lifestyle, sex assigned at birth, smoking history, and other risk factors can all affect when (or if) you should get screened. These are the general guidelines for staying on top of your cancer screenings.
Cancer prevention isn’t about being perfect. It’s about stacking the odds in your favor. Because while cancer can feel random and unfair — and sometimes it is — science is clear that these simple actions can lower your risk.
The Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines help protect you from viruses that can cause seven different types of cancers.
Screenings help find cancer and precancers, which can be removed before they develop into cancer. Screenings are available for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, and skin cancer.
If you’ve never smoked, don’t start. If you do, quit ASAP.
Eating a balanced diet will help you stay healthy and prevent cancer, while getting your blood pumping keeps you healthy both physically and mentally.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Sun safety and using the ABCDE’s of moles to protect yourself is important.
Excess body weight and weight gain as an adult can increase your risk for certain cancers such as breast, colorectal, endometrial, and kidney.
Extended exposure to asbestos and carcinogens, such as arsenic, chromium, and nickel can increase your risk of cancer, specifically lung cancer.
Everything in moderation. Alcohol creates an acidic environment in your body, which cancer thrives in. The more you drink, the higher your risk.
Using condoms helps protect you from contracting HIV, Hepatitis B, or HPV, all of which are linked to cancer.
While every cancer is different, there are some warning signs you should know about. Having one of these symptoms does not automatically mean you have cancer, but if something feels off, sticks around, or keeps getting worse, it’s worth talking to a doctor.
Feeling extremely tired, and it doesn’t go away with rest.
Losing or gaining 10 pounds or more for no obvious reason.
Not feeling hungry, having indigestion or belly pain, having trouble swallowing, or experiencing nausea and vomiting.
Yellowing, darkening or redness, sores that won’t heal, or changes to your moles.
Having trouble breathing, a cough, or hoarseness that doesn’t go away.
Unexplained bleeding or bruising anywhere on the body.
Your family’s experience with cancer can impact your own cancer risk.
Experiencing persistent, unexplained fever or night sweats.
Consistent and unexplained headaches.
New or worsening vision or hearing issues. New or unexplained sores, bleeding, pain, or numbness in your mouth.
Constipation or diarrhoea that doesn’t go away, a change in how your stool looks, pain when peeing, blood in your urine, or needing to pee more or less often than normal.
New pain, or pain that exists without an obvious reason, that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time, including muscle or joint pain.
Cancer doesn’t always show up with flashing warning signs. Sometimes it’s a weird symptom that won’t go away. Sometimes it’s a gut feeling that something is off even though a doctor is saying “you’re probably fine.” Here are some tips to advocate for your health. And remember: it isn’t overreacting, it’s survival.
If something feels wrong, speak up early and clearly.
Come to appointments with notes about your symptoms: when they started, how often they happen, and what makes them worse.
Don’t downplay what you’re experiencing. This isn’t the time to be modest.
Talk about your family history. It’s not gossiping, it’s important health information.
If a doctor isn’t listening to your concerns, push back. Respectfully, but firmly.
Take time to ask follow-up questions like: “What else could this be?” or “What symptoms would justify further testing?”
Simply asking, “Can you document in my chart that I requested screening or additional evaluation and it was declined?,” can make all the difference in being taken seriously.
If you feel dismissed, get a second opinion. Full stop.
If your body keeps waving a red flag, don’t ignore it.
